As a responsible gun owner and holder of a Delaware concealed carry permit, I believe strongly in both the Second Amendment and in the importance of sensible, state-level regulations to ensure that firearms are carried safely and legally. That’s why I’m deeply concerned about the proposed Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, a dangerous federal mandate being considered by Congress.
If passed, this law would force all states — including Delaware — to recognize concealed carry permits (or the lack of them) from every other state, even those with virtually no standards, training requirements or background checks. As someone who went through the process of earning my permit legally and responsibly, I find this deeply troubling.
Delaware has strong, common-sense concealed carry and permit-to-purchase laws that help keep guns out of the hands of people with violent histories. This federal legislation would override our laws and open our communities to increased risk — allowing individuals from permitless states to carry loaded, concealed weapons here, without meeting our safety standards.
This isn’t just about policy — it’s about public safety. Research shows that, when states eliminate strong concealed carry requirements for permitless carry, gun assaults increase by over 30%. Our state has invested in laws that promote responsible ownership and protect our communities. We shouldn’t have to watch that work be dismantled by Congress in the name of political theater.
I’m proud to exercise my rights as a gun owner under Delaware law. But I do so with the understanding that rights come with responsibilities. Congress should not undermine that balance by forcing states to accept the weakest standards in the country. I urge our lawmakers to stand with law enforcement, with public safety and with responsible gun owners like me — and reject the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act.
Luann D’Agostino Manley
Newark
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
